Native American-Owned Creative Company Sending SmokeSygnals for Broader Impact
How 8(a) certification is helping expand reach to public agencies
For over a decade, Paula Peters worked as a journalist on Cape Cod, driven by her passion for storytelling and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities.
A citizen of the Wampanoag Tribe of Mashpee, Paula spent her entire life giving a voice to Native Americans through activism, scholarly work, and publishing.
In 2007, after a rich career in journalism, Paula ventured into public relations, starting a firm that, with her son Steven’s involvement, evolved into SmokeSygnals LLC. The mother-son duo envisioned creating a full-service creative production company that would tell stories across various mediums.
“We found our niche producing museum exhibits and public education displays to help correct inaccuracies about the Wampanoag people and other historically marginalized communities,” said CEO Steven Peters.
Steven provided the creative direction for the traveling exhibit "Our" Story: 400 Years of Wampanoag History, a groundbreaking exhibit that gave a more accurate depiction about the realities of Mayflower Pilgrims arriving in 1620. The story was featured in Time Magazine, New York Times, BBC Radio, and other international outlets for its significance.
Adapting to Challenges: 8(a) Certification and a New Path Forward
The onset of COVID-19 posed an unprecedented challenge for SmokeSygnals. Their primary clients—museums—were forced to close their doors, leading to a sudden halt in ticket sales. However, due to the long lead times on their projects (typically six months to a year), the company had some breathing room to reassess its strategy.
Supported by SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan to withstand the crisis, Peters realized that for long-term stability, they needed to diversify their client base and secure more public sector contracts.
This led them to pursue 8(a) certification, a program that streamlines the process of working with public institutions like the Smithsonian and the Department of Education. By 2021, SmokeSygnals became the first Native American-owned business in New England to receive this certification. The SBA’s Empower to Grow Program provided critical training and support to help Steven Peters navigate the world of public contracting and set the company on a path for success.
The Blackstone River Valley National Historic Park
SmokeSygnals found immediate success and was awarded contracts within the first year of certification. Established in 2014, the Blackstone River Valley National Historic Park needed a contractor to lead community outreach efforts for developing the national park’s master plan. Referred by the National Museum of the American Indian, Steven had successfully completed a contract with the Smithsonian institution the previous year.
Peters facilitated round table listening sessions with Native communities and provided guidance to the National Park on developing exhibits, public programming, educational opportunities, and staff trainings. Peters also provided guidance and shared best practices based on the feedback gathered through public meetings and their own past experiences working with museums that were incorporated into the master plan.
SmokeSygnals successfully completed this contract, but more importantly their input will have a deeper impact on the future of the National Park.
SCORE Cape Cod & Islands’ Small Business of the Year
The dedication and success of SmokeSygnals did not go unnoticed. In 2023, the company was honored as SCORE Cape Cod & Islands’ Small Business of the Year. Mentors Todd Richman and Mark Lowenstein have been instrumental in helping Steven and his wife, Jennifer Peters, navigate the complexities of growing their business. “They understand our business climate, ask the right questions, and give us practical advice,” Jennifer shared. “Their guidance has been invaluable in helping us overcome challenges and seize opportunities.”
Expanding Reach and Impact
With a team of two part-time and three full-time staff, SmokeSygnals remains focused on reaching wider audiences. Their mission is to inspire the public through impactful storytelling, whether it be through videos, museum exhibits, educational curricula, or public displays.
SmokeSygnals to date, has successfully executed prime contracts with the National Park Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Smithsonian's Museum on Main Street, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Their work can also be seen at Mystic Seaport Museum, the Box Museum in Plymouth England, the Museum De Lakenhal in Lieden, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the Provincetown Museum.